SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF KURDISTAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
Year:2019 | Volume:23 | Issue:6 (98) |Papers Count:17

Background and Aim: Many compounds derived from medicinal plants, such as antioxidants and polyphenols have significant roles in prevention and treatment of various cancers. Activation of apoptosis related pathways is one of the mechanisms for inhibition of cancer progression. In this study, we investigated the effect of molecular dynamics simulation of hesperetin on the pre-apoptotic factors of Bad, Bak, and Bim. Material and Methods: In this study we collected data about 3 dimensional structure and Protein Data Bank (PDB) files of three apoptotic factors of Bad, Bak, and Bim from Protein Data Bank (http: //www. rscb. org/pdb). Using VMD v1. 9. 2, AutoDock v. 4. 2, and Gromacs v. 4. 5. 4 softwares, we started processes such as optimization, simulation, molecular docking and molecular dynamics calculations. Results: Binding of Bad molecule to hesperetin led to release of the highest amount of energy and reduced changes in the radius of gyration of Bad protein. But after binding of Bim and Bak proteins to hesperetin, changes in the radius of gyration, increased. The most frequent change in the secondary protein structure was related to increased amount of Bent structure and decreased amount of β-sheet structure in Bim molecule. Conclusion: Hesperetin can affect the activities of pre-apoptotic factors of Bad, Bak, and Bim by influencing their molecular dynamics. It seems that hesperetin has the highest effect on the activation of Bad molecule. Also, it can activate Bim protein and induce apoptosis via inducing alternations in the secondary structure of the protein.

Background and Aim: Allergic asthma is an inflammatory disease of the respiratory system which causes an increase in inflammatory factors such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, lymphocytes and eosinophils. These factors can increase the level of free radicals and oxidants. Pomalidumide, an anti-inflammatory drug that has stronger effects than its analogues, can significantly reduce inflammatory factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pomalidumide on inflammatory factors and pro-oxidant antioxidant balance in the rat model of ovalbumininduced asthma. Material and Methods: Male rats were divided into 5 groups (n=8): normal saline, ovalbumin+normal saline, ovalbumin+dexamethasone, ovalbumin+pomalidimide (0. 4 0. 8 mg/kg, ip). We used ELISA method to determine the level of inflammatory factors. We measured pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) for assessment of blood oxidant level. Results: We found significant decrease in the levels of inflammatory factors in the pomalidumide group. This decrease was more significant in the group that received pomalidumide 0. 8 mg/kg, ip. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that pomalidomide prevented the pro-oxidant antioxidant balance shift towards increasing oxidant factors in the asthmatic rats. Also it prevented increase in inflammatory factors including IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, lymphocytes and eosinophils in the ovalbumin-induced asthma rat model.

Background and Aim: One of the components of every culture is beliefs. Some of these beliefs are based on actual proven and solid foundation. Some of them are superstitions which are baseless and have been accepted by people. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of belief in superstitions and its related factors among the students of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences. Material and Methods: This was a study with mixed method design which was a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. The quantitative section was cross-sectional and the qualitative part of the study included views of the experts on the psychological, social, religious and political fields. In this study we used a valid and reliable researcher-made superstition questionnaire. The questionnaire had 2 parts: belief in superstitions and tendency to superstition. We used stratified random sampling method and the sample size was estimated to be 386 students according to Cochran's formula. Data were entered into SPSS-20 software and analyzed by ANOA and chi-square test. Results: In this study 184(54%) students were male and 157 (46%) were female with the mean age of 20. 26 ± 1. 60 years. 309 students (90. 6%) lived in urban areas, 54 (15. 8%) had a tendency to superstition, 46 (13. 5%) had high level and 122 (35. 8%) had low level of superstitious beliefs. In this study, there was a significant relationship between gender (P=0. 037) and age (p<0. 001) with belief in superstitions. In addition, there was a significant relationship between residential area with tendency to superstition and belief in superstitions (p<0. 001), while, there was no significant relationship between gender and tendency to superstition (P=0. 861). Conclusion: Considering the high frequency rate (64. 2%) of belief in superstitions among the students as future community makers, comprehensive planning to decrease belief in superstition by means of various systems, such as universities, television and other relevant organizations, is essential.

Background and Aim: One of the major purposes of pediatric dentistry is to maintain deciduous teeth in anatomical and functional conditions up to their physiological exfoliation and eruption of permanent teeth. Whenever pulp gets involved or exposed to mouth area and microorganisms penetrate into pulp, deciduous teeth needs pulp therapy. In the sterile environment, the exposed pulp tissue is able to repair itself and also to create a dentin bridge, but in the presence of bacteria, development of disease and ultimately death of the pulp will be inevitable. The ideal pulpotomy cement should have good physical and biological properties such as sealing of the remaining pulp tissue, being biocompatible and possessing antibacterial activity. The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial effect of some usual materials used for pulpotomy in deciduous teeth. Materials and Methods: In this study, we evaluated the antibacterial activity of materials used in deciduous teeth pulpotomy including Zoliran, Sina Zonalin, Kemdent Zonalin, MTA (OrthoMTA) and CEM Cement against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Well diffusion test and disk diffusion test and time kill curve were used for antibacterial activity assay. Also, we evaluated stability of antibacterial activity of the materials. The antibacterial activity in disk diffusion and well diffusion test was measured based on the diameter of the zone of inhibition, whereas in time kill curve the optical density of the bacterial suspension was measured. We used analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’ s test at the significance level of 5%. Results: In well diffussion and disk diffussion tests all of the materials except CEM Cement showed antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The largest and smallest zones of inhibition belonged to zoliran and MTA respectively. The results of time kill curve revealed a similar pattern, so that during the experiment period Zoliran, Sina Zonalin, Kemdent Zonalin, MTA and CEM Cement showed the greatest effects in both groups of bacteria respectively. Conclusion: Reinforced ZOE groups had the greatest effect in inhibition of growth of S. mutans and L. acidophilus compared to MTA and CEM Cement. Thus, use of Zoliran, Sina and Kemdent Zonalin cements in pulpotomy of deciduous teeth can be useful in controlling bacterial growth and achieving success in pulpotomy.

Background and Aim: Knowledge of the physiological stress caused by different types of exercise training can be an important factor in proper designing of training programs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two types of strenuous training (HIIT and resistance) on hippocampus superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in male Wistar rats. Material and Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats (age: 8 weeks and weight: 205. 19± 17. 19g), after one week of familiarization with environment and training, were randomly divided into three groups: control (n=6), HIIT (n=7) and resistance (n=7). During 10 weeks (5 sessions per week), rats performed an incremental HIIT training on the animal treadmill. HIIT training protocol started with 30 m/min running on the treadmill for one min with 10 reps and two min active rest at the first week and reached to 75-80 m/min for 1 min with 7 rep and 3 min active rest at the last week. In addition, resistance training was performed on one-meter height ladder (divided by 26 stairs) with a load of 30℅ of their body weight (suspended from tail) in the first week, which gradually increased to 250℅ of their body weight in the last week. We evaluated the activity of SOD and GPX in the hippocampus, serum MDA and TAC levels by spectrophotometry and ELISA Kit. Results: The results of this study revealed no significant alterations in SOD and GPX activity in HIIT and resistance groups (P>0. 05). However, the serum levels of TAC and MDA increased significantly in HIIT (p=0. 001) and resistance groups (p=0. 002) compared to those in the control group. Conclusion: Based on our results, it seems that the effect of high-intensity interval and resistance training on hippocampus is not signifcant which could result from adaptation of hippocampus to this type of training in the long run. However, the significant increase of TAC and MDA in serum which represents high-level physiological stress induced by this type of training, should be considered in designing an exercise training program.

Bacground and Aim: Frequency rates of many non communicable diseases can be reduced by changing lifestyle. This study aimed to assess the status of lifestyle indices in relation to nutrition, physical activity and body mass index in middle-aged people referring to health centers in Kurdistan Province. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 5022 middle-aged (30-59 years old) in 2016. Sampling method was census. Demographic data about nutritional status, physical activity and body mass index were obtained from the apple system. Using SPSS software, data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, independent T-test and chi-square test. Results: 5022 participants with equal sex ratio and a mean age of 41. 8 ± 12. 46 years were entered into the study. In our study men had more physical activity during walking and working than women (p <0. 001). About 74% of the participants were overweight or obese. The proportion of obesity in the women was higher (p <0. 001). The proportion of obesity in people who walked more than 60 minutes/day was less than that in those who walked between 31-60 minutes/day (28% versus 38%) (p <0. 001). In spite of optimal consumption of vegetables by both genders, 52% of the participants did not consume enough fruit. Approximately 76. 5% of the people had used enough dairy products. The women used dairy productes less frequently compared to the men (70% versus 83%), (p <0. 001). Conclusion: Overweight and obesity in the study population were at an alarming level. Obesity prevention programs for, middle-aged people should focus on encouraging physical activity, especially in women.

Background and Aim: Nowadays, the tissue-engineered products have shown promising effect in the treatment of different skin-related damages such as wounds and deep burns. The nature of the surfaces of these substitutes plays a key role in the interaction between tissue and biomaterials. Before biomedical applications, modification of the surface of these materials is important. Material and Methods: In this study, acrylic acid in different concentrations were grafted on silicone (after activating the surface of silicone film by two step plasma method). Then, chitosan and gelatin at different concentrations were immobilized on the samples. Then, surface characterization and properties were evaluated by ATR-FTIR and contact angle (sessile drop method). Finally, we evaluated cell attachment, cell spreading and the number of L929 cells. Result: The results showed that the amount of grafted acrylic acid on silicone film was significantly influenced by acrylic acid monomer concentrations. Also the presence of the graft was verified by ATR-FTIR. The results also demonstrated that increased concentrations of acrylic acid and chitosan led to increased rate of surface hydrophilia. Cell attachment, spreading, and cell number onto silicone films treated by immobilization of chitosan and gelatin, were more in comparison to other samples. Conclusion: Due to its high biocompatibility, the tissue-engineered skin product can be used as a skin replacement in various skin wounds and burns.

Background and Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on visceral and subcutaneous levels of leptin, plasma glucose and insulin levels in male Wistar rats. Material and Method: 20 male rats (mean age: 8 week and mean weight: 190± 10 gr) randomly divided into resistance training (n=7), HIIT (n=7) training and control (n=6) groups. Training program continued for 5 weeks (5 sessions/week). Training program consisted of running on treadmill with incremental increase in intensity of 37-52 meters per minute, 6-12 two minute bouts with 1 minute rest between the bouts. 72 hours after last training session and in fasting condition, rats were sacrificed and subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue were removed. The samples were freezed and maintained at-80 C° for subsequent tests. We used independent T-test for data analysis. Results: The results showed significant variations in visceral and subcutaneous levels of leptin and plasma levels of insulin between the training and control groups (p<0. 05). But, the variation in glucose levels between the training and control groups was not significant (p>0. 05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that HIIT decreased visceral and subcutaneous levels of leptin, and reduced the risk factors associated with obesity. HIIT also reduced plasma insulin and glucose levels which can lead to decreased insulin resistance.

Background and Aim: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) do not cause premature death and has no definitive treatment. Thus, the life time cost of ASD is very high. Identification of the factors contributing to the cost of this disorder has a key role in its cost management. The purpose of this study was to investigate social factors affecting ASD costs. Material and Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran, Iran, in 2017, by using a valid and reliable questionnaire. Social and economic factors contributing to ASD’ s direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs, indirect costs of ASD were investigated. 290 ASD patients, were entered into the study. Using SPSS software, 21st version, appropriate statistical tests (Spearman and Pearson tests, independent T-test and ANOVA test) were used for data analysis. Results: The mean total cost for an ASD patient was 223, 561, 841 Rials (6, 883 $US). About 32%, 52% and 16% of the total costs were related to direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs, and indirect costs. ASD costs had statistically significant relationships with the patient age, gender, education, type of school, parents’ job, family income and health insurance. Conclusion: Autism imposes heavy costs on the patients and their families. Cost of ASD could be affected by social factors such as age, gender, education, health insurance, job and income. Therefore, health policy makers and health care managers must take special measures for prevention and control of this disorder, treatment, cost management and provision of social and economic support.

Background and Aim: Psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents impose high costs on individuals, families and society, and are associated with significant problems in the future. The purpose of this study was to conduct the epidemiological study on psychiatric disorders in children between 6 and 18 years of age in Kurdistan Province in 2016. Material and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kurdistan Province in 2016. Using random cluster sampling and systematic method, 1016 people were selected and examined for psychiatric disorders by using a digital version of the K-SADS. Result: The results showed that the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the children and adolescents in Kurdistan Province in 2016 was 33. 8% (34. 4% of the boys and 33. 1% of the girls). Anxiety disorders (21. 9%) and behavioral disorders (16. 3%) had the highest prevalence rates. Abuse disorders (0. 7%) and psychotic disorders (0. 9%) had the lowest prevalence rates respectively. The highest prevalence rates belonged to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (11. 6%), oppositional defiant disorder (8. 9%) and specific phobia (8. 8%) respectively. Autism disorders (0. 1%), substance use disorders (0. 1%) and incopresis (0. 1%) had the lowest prevalence rates. Conclusion: At least 33% of the children and adolescents in Kurdistan Province needed psychiatric outpatient and inpatient services. Awareness of this issue is essential to develop policies on prevention of mental illness, promotion of general health and provision of mental health services to people in Kurdistan Province. We should consider mental disorders of childhood and adolescence as a key risk factor for the future psychiatric problems.

Background and Aim: Identification of the source of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) as cause of nosocomial infections is an important step towards infection control. The purpose of this study was to perform multiple-locus variable number tandem repeat survey and analysis for typing of P. aeruginosa as a cause of nosocomial infection. Material and Methods: This descriptive-analytic study included 134 clinical samples of P. aeruginosa in Sanandaj from December 2015 to August 2017. Phenotypic tests and PCR were performed to confirm P. aeruginosa. Molecular typing was carried out by variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR), and analysis was performed using a zero-and-one matrix. Using Stata 12, data were analyzed by chi-square and Fisher's exact tests (p≤ 0. 05). Results: 41. 79% of P. aeruginosa strains were associated with nosocomial infections. The highest number of clinical specimens were related to tracheal (51. 78%) and the least number associated with sputum and abdominal fluid (each one1. 78%). There was a significant relationship between nosocomial infections and intensive care unit (ICU) (p≤ 0. 05). Also nosocomial infections showed a significant relationship with tracheal samples (p≤ 0. 05). Analysis of 10 strains isolated from nosocomial infections showed 10 patterns with a similarity of 72%. Conclusion: Nosocomial infections were related to P. aeruginosa and we showed epidemiological distributions of this bacterium in our study. Identification of the origin of the bacteria responsible for nosocomial infections is an important step in the prevention and control of these infections.

Background and Aim: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common cancer in children and juveniles and is also seen in adults with lower frequency. Autophagy is a programmed catabolic process of the cell for destruction of damaged organs and proteins which is carried out by lysozymes. Disruption of autophagy leads to abnormalities in cellular processes associated with cancer. Materials and Methods: In this study, we compared the expression of Beclin 1 and Atg 10 genes between 50 patients with B-ALL and 18 healthy subjects as our control group, by using RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, and RT-PCR method. Data were analyzed by statistical tests. Results: The majority of B-ALL patients showed a significant reduction in the Beclin1 and Atg 10 genes compared to control group (P <0. 05) and the mean expression of the genes (2-Δ Ct ± SD) were 0. 10 ± 0. 49 and 1. 01 ± 0. 27 for ALL patients and control group and 0. 15± 0. 44 and 1. 07± 0. 85 for Atg10 and Beclin1 respectively. There was no significant correlation between expression levels of Beclin1and Atg10 in these patients (r =-0. 013, P =0. 926). Conclusion: Considering the reduced expression levels in the essential genes of autophagy in ALL patients in our study and also other studies in this field, disruption of autophagy may be involved in leukomogensis.